School & education

guide to

Schools & Education a blank slate media/litmor publications advertising section • february 12, 2016

32 Guide to Schools & Education • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016 ADVERTORIAL

Home of The College Whisperer™ & Official Sponsor of College Admission Success™ College

Connection

offers

to college and actually getting in.

comprehensive college planning and

That

counseling. Guidance and support in

CONNECTION!

difference

is

COLLEGE

choosing a college, getting in to

Remember, there’s more to

college, and finding the money to

applying to college than filling in the

pay for college, all while taking the

blanks on Common App, and more to

stress, the worry, the frustration and

getting your hands on the money to

the

pay for college than just submitting

madness

out

of

college

applications and admissions.

At COLLEGE CONNECTION, we’ve not only got your back, we’ve got your best moves

FAFSA. So, before the applications, college admissions, and financial aid forms get

forward! to

to you, you need to

From college matching

get to us -- COLLEGE

admission

CONNECTION!

strategies,

application enhancement to essay development, there is a difference between simply applying

Call for a FREE telephone consultation.

516-345-8766.

Visit us on the web at www.CollegeConnect.info

What You Don’t Know About College Admissions Can Hurt You!

Make school day mornings easier S chool day mornings can be hectic, as getting kids ready for school and out the door on time is not always easy. Working parents may find school day mornings especially difficult, as their own work schedules can make mornings feel even more rushed. Fortunately, parents can employ several strategies to free up time in the morning so everyone starts their days off in a more relaxing atmosphere.

Wake up earlier. Sleep might seem like a precious commodity, but waking up just 10 to 15 minutes earlier can remove some of the stress from weekday mornings without costing you a lot of sack time. Let kids sleep in until their normal wakeup time, using your extra 10 or 15 minutes to shower or enjoy your morning cup of coffee before the house is abuzz with activity.

Tackle certain chores the night before. Delaying certain chores until you wake up makes for a hectic morning, so tackle as many morning chores as possible before you go to bed for the night. Prepare school lunches, lay clothes out for yourself and your children, and make sure kids have their backpacks packed and ready to go before they go to bed. Each of these things may only take a few minutes, but when left for the morning, they can add up to a substantial amount of time.

Encourage youngsters to pick up the pace. Some people are morning people, while others dread setting their alarms for early morning hours. Kids who fall into the latter group may drag their feet in the morning, but parents should offer encouragement when kids are moving slowly in the morning.

Allowing your frustration to show may only make kids less fond of mornings, so remind them as nicely as possible that everyone has a schedule to stick to if they seem to be dragging their feet.

Keep the television off. If watching the television is ingrained in your morning routine, try going a few days without it to see if this makes it easier to get out the door on time. Kids might grow distracted by morning cartoons, and even adults may get caught up in morning news shows or other forecasts. Eliminating television from your morning routine can save time and also may help your family grow closer, as you will have more distraction-free time to speak to one another. In addition to turning off the television, resist the urge to turn on your devices or scan work emails when getting ready in the morning.

Parents know that school day mornings can be hectic. But there are several ways to make such mornings go more smoothly so everyone gets where they need to be on time.

FREE COLLEGE PLANNING WORKSHOP When:

Monday, March 14, 2016 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM Where: Ethical Humanist Society of Long Island 38 Old Country Road Garden City, New York 11530 Why: Because the more you know, the better you’ll be able to plan for what’s ahead!

Seth Bykofsky (aka The College Whisperer™) of College Connection, presents an engaging and informative program, exploring such topics as choosing a college that's "best" for you, the intricacies and nuances of the application and admissions process, creating a winning essay, and paying for that college degree.

A must attend for anyone applying to college, planning for college, paying for college, or just thinking about college.

Space is limited. Registration is requested. Register online at www.tfaforms.com/319156, at our website, or call us for more information.

College Connection www.collegeconnect.info

516-345-8766

Call Us or Visit Our Website for Winter Break Schedule TEEN NIGHT FRIDAYS 8:30-10:30

OPEN YEAR ROUND

NOW ACCEPTING SIGN UPS FOR OUR GROUP LESSONS AND HOCKEY SKILLS CLINICS

COME Our Birthday Parties CELEBRATE Are The Best WITH US! GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE

10 OFF

$

BIRTHDAY PARTY PACKAGE One Coupon Per Party.

Not to be combined w/any other offer.

Learn to Skate

Program Tots -Adults Group Lessons

Private Lessons Birthday Parties Public Sessions Hockey Programs

Registration is Ongoing For Hockey & Skill Development Clinics

3345 HILLSIDE AVE. NEW HYDE PARK, NY Just West of Herricks Road

516-746-1100

Gift Certificates Available

www.icelandlongisland.com

News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016 • Guide to Schools & Education

33

Creating a helpful homework atmosphere for your children

C

Choose the right location for the homework room. When choosing an area of your home where kids will do their homework, avoid rooms adjacent to the kitchen and living room, as these rooms tend to be popular and subject to heavy foot traffic. But don’t choose a room that’s too far away from the hustle and bustle, such as the basement, as that may make kids feel as though they are being punished. In addition, you want to be able to periodically check in on kids to see if they need help and make sure they aren’t spending their homework time surfing the Internet or procrastinating.

lassrooms conducive to learning may go a long way toward helping students understand the subjects they study in school, but the environment kids encounter at home also plays a big role in how well kids do in their studies. A homework-friendly atmosphere at home can facilitate learning, and there are many ways parents can create such an environment for their school-aged children.

Designate a homework zone in a distraction-free area of your home. Some youngsters are easily distracted, and those distractions come in many forms. A living room where the television is blaring, a noisy kitchen where dinner is being prepared and a room where pets can roam free are not ideal homework areas, as each can take kids’ attention away from their assignments.

Designate a room in your home that is quiet and well lit so kids can do their homework free from distraction.

Keep the homework room clean. A cluttered homework room may be less appealing to children, and such disorganization also can distract kids from the tasks at hand. Encourage kids to keep their homework rooms clean, and help them clean up if need be. Supplies and other items kids need should be easily accessible in the homework room so kids are not wasting time looking for items they need to complete their homework.

OF ROSLYN Flexible 2, 3, 4 & 5 Day Programs Ages 2 to 5 Half-Day (9:00-12:00pm/9am-1pm/9-2pm) After School Programs until 3:30pm New Apple Computer Lab

• Excellent Retention of Our Certified Teachers • All Staff First Aid & CPR Certified • Nurturing Environment • Dedicated Staff • Secure Building Access • Air Conditioned Classrooms • Foreign Language Lessons

Flexible 2, 3, 4 & 5 Day Programs Infants 3 months to 5 years School Hours: 7:00am-6:00pm Early Childhood Library • Science & Nature Room Handwriting Without Tears

• Fully Enclosed Playground & Indoor Gym • Zumba • Reading A-Z • Fun with Phonics • Music & Movement • Arts & Crafts • Monthly Themed Activities & Events

Celebrating 37 Years!

Let kids rest or relax before starting their homework. Another element of a good homework atmosphere is letting kids unwind between getting home from school and cracking open the books. A break between school and homework time can help kids focus better on their studies. In the interim between arriving home from school and starting on their homework, give kids a healthy snack that can provide an extra jolt of energy they can use once they start their homework.

Evaluate how the homework zone is working. Once an ample amount of time has passed, examine how kids are performing on their homework assignments. If they are doing well, then there is no reason to break up the current routine. If they are struggling, ask them if there is anything about the current setup they dislike and address those issues accordingly.

Kids rarely look forward to doing their homework. But the right atmosphere can make homework seem like less of a chore and more of an opportunity for kids to apply themselves.

Licensed by the NYS Office of Children & Family Services • Registered with the NYS Dept. of Education •

Now Enrolling

for the 2016-2017 school year • Schedule a personal tour today!

• DIAPERS WELCOME

34 Guide to Schools & Education • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016 Janine Stiene, Speech-Language Pathologist, is owner and operator of the Suffolk Center for Speech And Myofunctional Therapy. Along with her exceptional group of therapists, she supports families and children across Long Island and Queens, specializing in: PROMPT, Myofunctional Therapy, Voice Disorders, Fluency, Augmentative Communications, Articulation, Auditory Processing Disorders and Expressive/Receptive Language Disorders (adults and children).

Also offered is Feeding Therapy for individuals who suffer from texture and consistency aversions.

Long Island Speech & Myofunctional Therapy Licensed Speech Pathologists & Myofunctional Therapists Specializing in the Treatment & Correction of: Language Disorders Memory and Auditory Processing Difficulties Fluency • Voice Disorders • Motor Planning Disorders Deviate Swallowing • Tongue Thrust Feeding and Swallowing Problems / Aversions Thumb Sucking and Articulation Disorders Oral Facial Muscle Weakness

There are seven affiliated offices across Long Island, with the Lake Success office being conveniently located next to LIJ on Lakeville Road. All offices offer flexible hours and scheduling including evenings as well as Saturdays. It is also one of the only private practices that participates with most major health insurance companies.

Janine Stiene, former Speech Pathologist of the Hauppauge School District, has had her rapidly growing business for ten years. Her well equipped staff of LIcensed speech Pathologists and Myofunctional Therapists come from diverse educational backgrounds and top schools such as Long Island University, St. John’s University, Hofstra University, Adelphi University, and more.

Open: Monday through Saturday, Daytime and Evenings. Please call for appointment availability. Participating with most Major Health Insurances.

Specialize Therapy Approaches Including: PROMPT Therapy Individual FEEDING Therapy Augmentative Communication Evaluations & Therapy

Lake Success Jericho Wantagh Stony Brook Commack Farmingville East Yaphank 516-216-1791 and 718-640-6767

444 Lakeville Road, Suite 202 Lake Success, NY 11042 (516) 216-1791 500 North Broadway, Suite 141, Jericho, NY 11753 (516) 597-4344

www.LISpeechandMyo.com

www.lispeechandmyo.com

˘

PORTLEDGE

˘ SUMMER ADVENTURES

Summer Programs from June 20 to August 12

Programs for Little Ones

The Arts

Chess & Technology

Sports

Science

Summer Academic Institute

SUMMER SAMPLER

A SPECIAL EVENT Sat, Feb 27, 11am-1pm Children engage in age-appropriate games and activities while parents meet the instructors. Every family receives a sampler of chocolates.

Learn more by calling Melissa Worth at 516-750-3104, email mworth@portledge.org, or visit www.portledge.org/summeradventures

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘˘

News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016 • Guide to Schools & Education

35

Practical test-taking tips for students A

ccording to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, test anxiety is a form of performance anxiety that can affect even the most prepared students. The ADAA notes that several factors, including fear of failure and a poor test history, can contribute to test anxiety, the presence of which can make it difficult for students to concentrate and may even cause physical symptoms like headache and nausea. Parents of students who are anxious about upcoming tests can share the following test-taking tips with their children, courtesy of the ADAA. Prioritize preparation. Test preparation should begin well in advance of the test, as cramming the night before may make students feel unprepared and less confident in their knowledge of the material. In addition, studying at least a week or two in advance of the test date affords students the opportunity to take practice tests in conditions similar to those in real testing situations.

That familiarity can calm any nerves they may typically experience when taking exams.

Develop an effective test-taking strategy. The ADAA recommends students answer the questions they know first before returning to more difficult questions. Doing so may contribute to students’ confidence and calm their nerves as they approach the

rest of the test. When tests include essay portions, students can outline their essays before they begin to write so they have a clearer idea of what they want to say and how they want to say it.

Employ relaxation techniques. Deep, slow breaths and systematic relaxation of muscles can energize students’ bodies and make it easier for them to focus. Students can apply such techniques before exams to curb any pre-test jitters they might have and, if necessary, revisit these relaxation exercises during the test if feelings of nervousness return.

Get enough sleep and eat healthy before the exam. Stress and anxiety are more difficult to cope with when the body is tired, so parents should encourage their children to get adequate sleep the night before an exam. In addition, provide healthy foods for kids to eat prior to the exam so they are not lethargic or hungry once the test begins.

Don’t be afraid to seek help. Plenty of students experience test anxiety, and many schools offer programs designed to help students overcome their test-taking fears. Making use of these programs is a great way for kids to improve their testing performance.

Long Island’s premier test prep course is now accepting students for spring SAT/ACT classes!

What has made us so successful for over 30 years?

•

• Small classes of 10-12 students each, grouped by score • Four full practice tests proctored under real testing conditions First-rate teachers who are experts at taking the tests and keeping students engaged

36 Guide to Schools & Education • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016

Signs a tutor might be necessary S chool is not always easy, and some students struggle as they transition from grade to grade. As students get older, some who may have experienced smooth sailing as youngsters may find they need some extra help grasping the material as coursework becomes more complicated.

Those who need some extra clarification and reinforcement may first turn to their parents. But parents may not be familiar with certain subjects or capable of explaining certain concepts in terms kids can understand. In such situations, tutors can prove to be valuable resources to get kids back on the right academic track.

One-on-one attention from a tutor can benefit all types of learners. Students who discover newfound success under the guidance of a tutor may have more self-confidence in the classroom. Parents wondering if a tutor can help their children may want to consider the following indicators that students may need tutors.

HEALTHY VISION = BETTER GRADES Schedule Your Students Eye Exam Today!

Consistently falling grades: Tutors may be necessary for students whose grades are gradually on the decline. First speak with your child’s teachers, who may recommend tutors that specialize in certain subjects.

Confusion in and out of the classroom: Some kids struggle to grasp certain concepts, and such confusion can sometimes be remedied with the kind of intense study available in tutoring sessions.

Low confidence: Some kids’ confidence wanes when their grades suffer. Kids whose grades have been on the decline may feel a sense of defeat even before they take a test or work on an assignment. Tutors can help restore confidence by creating small victories that slowly build up to larger successes.

Indifference to coursework: No student will be captivated by every subject he or she studies, but there should be some subjects that students find engaging.

Students battling indifference toward their coursework may benefit from a dynamic tutor who can present subject matter in new ways and revive students’ interest.

Students who are struggling in the classroom may need some extra help outside the classroom, and many tutors are adept at reviving interest in subjects kids are studying at school. Some teachers may recommend certain tutors, while others may do some tutoring work themselves.

LARGE SELECTION OF FRAMES

Save on Non-Prescription Sunglasses w/contact Lens Purchase • 3 Month Supply - SAVE 5% • 6 Month Supply - SAVE 10% • 12 Month Supply - SAVE 15% Discount applies to sunglasses only.

Not to be combined. W/coupon only. Exp. 3/31/16

30 OFF

$

Any One Complete Pair of Prescription Eyeglasses

$100 Min. Purchase At time of purchase. Not retroactive. Cannot be combined w/any other offer or Union plans. W/coupon only. Exp. 3/31/16

70 OFF

$

Any Two Complete Pairs of Prescription Eyeglasses

$100 Per Pair At time of purchase. Not retroactive. Cannot be combined w/any other offer or Union plans. W/coupon only. Exp. 3/31/16

• LaFont • Prada • Flexon • Silhouette • Gucci & More!

Choose from SPORT & DESIGNER SUNGLASSES 100’s of Frames • Maui Jim • Ray Ban • Costa Del Mar, Wiley X & More! Available in Prescription & Nonprescription including…

BIG SELECTION - EXPERTS ON STAFF TO FIT YOU RIGHT! Doctor available for exams, contact lens fittings, dry & red eyes, glaucoma & cataract evaluation. Exams are comprehensive and appointments are recommended.

OUR EXPERIENCE & QUALITY MAKE THE DIFFERENCE FULL-SERVICE, FAMILY OWNED OPTICAL CENTER SINCE 1982

Focal Point Optical FAMILY OPTICAL CENTER

GARDEN CITY PARK

2453 Jericho Tpke. (Waldbaums Center) 516-746-3836

COME IN FOR YOUR EYE EXAM.

MOST UNION PLANS & MEDICARE ASSIGNMENT ACCEPTED. (We Accept Eyemed)

Visit Us At: www.focalpointgcp.com

Mon. - Fri.: 9am - 7pm

News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016 • Guide to Schools & Education

Did you know?

According to the College Board Annual Survey of Colleges, the average published tuition and fee price for full-time, in-state students at public four-year colleges during the 2014-15 school year was $9,139.

That marks a nearly 3 percent increase from the preceding year, but it’s still a considerable bargain when compared to the tuition and fee costs full-time, out-of-state students attending four-year public colleges will have to pay. Such students paid $22,958 for the 2014-15 school year, a 3.3 percent hike from the year before. Such figures do not include the cost of room and board, which averaged roughly $9,800 for the 2014-15 school year at public four-year colleges (instate and out-of-state). Private, non-profit, four-year colleges remained considerably more expensive than their public counterparts, costing students an average of more than $42,000 per year for tuition, fees and room and board during the 2014-15 school year. The 3.7 percent rise in tuition and fees at such institutions also represented the highest average increase of any four-year colleges or universities.

37

Want to keep you child on Target for this school year? Call S.E.E.D.S. of the Willistons TODAY 516-742-5243

For more information, contact S.E.E.D.S. today! (516) 742-5243.

Conveniently located in the heart of Williston Park, all services performed by licensed and insured professionals.

One reason for our success is the professionals at S.E.E.D.S tailor each group based on your child’s specific needs.

(Speech, Education, Evaluation & Developmental Services)

Eileen M. Devaney, MS, CC-SLP, Director 129A Hillside Avenue, Williston Park, NY 11596 Tel: 516-742-5243 Fax: 516-742-3536 www.seedsofthewillistons.com

38 Guide to Schools & Education • News Times Newspapers, Friday, February 12, 2016

Helpful tips for choosing a major Take action. Classrooms can be great places to discover a passion for a particular field of study, but lectures or entry-level courses are not always enough to spark interest. If there are particular fields of study that interest you, find extracurricular clubs that are associated with those majors. Such clubs may host speakers or seminars that can give you greater insight into the field than you might glean from the classroom. Attend such events when possible, and bring any questions you might have about the course of study they are associated with.

C

hoosing a major is an important decision for college students.

The right major can set students on a path to a rewarding and successful career, which can lead to a more fulfilling life.

The gravity of such a decision is one reason many college students delay choosing their majors until after they enter college. Students often find entering college as an undecided affords them the opportunity to explore various courses of study without committing themselves to any particular subject.

Though that approach can work while students are still underclassmen, many advisors recommend students choose a major before their third year of college. The following tips can help students ensure they make the right decision about which path to take for the remainder of their college careers.

Visit your school’s career center.

College career centers are a great resource for college students as they narrow down their options concerning a major. Many career centers have programs in place designed to match students’ interests and personalities with courses of study. Utilize these programs if you are having trouble matching an interest with a major.

Speak to upperclassmen. Underclassmen may make up the majority of students in entry-level courses, but you may encounter some upperclassmen who have already chosen their majors in such classes from time to time. Such students can be valuable resources for other students looking to gain greater insight into courses of study. Ask about particular classes and professors who upperclassmen found particularly engaging and encouraging.

Pursue an internship. The hands-on experience provided by an internship is a great way for students to learn if a particular line of work is for them. Internships can provide an insider’s look into particular professions and industries. While internships might once have been designated for older students, many businesses now have more relaxed eligibility requirements regarding their internship programs, making it possible for students of all grade levels to gain some practical professional experience while still in school.

Choosing a major is one of the most important decisions young students will make. Taking a careful and thoughtful approach to such a decision can help students select majors that leads to rewarding careers.

D.D.S. P.C.

COSMETIC , IMPLANT & FAMILY DENTISTRY

• Gentle, Caring, Experienced • Affordable, Quality Dentistry • Call Today for a Free Consultation!

DENTISTRY

Most Insurances Accepted • Monthly Payment Plans

13 2 T U L I P AV E N U E , F L O R A L PA R K , N Y 110 01

516 . 7 7 5 . 2 6 6 6